The Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD), following a meeting with the Delhi government, has directed the closure of all unauthorised meat shops and licensed outlets found violating norms along Kanwar Yatra routes and around Kanwar camps, as part of a set of measures ahead of the annual pilgrimage beginning July 30.The directive, contained in an office memorandum issued on July 27 following a high-level review meeting chaired by Delhi Minister Kapil Mishra, also asks the MCD to remove encroachments, undertake round-the-clock sanitation, carry out fumigation, and deploy mobile dispensaries at Kanwar camps across the capital.According to the memorandum, Kanwar camps will be set up at 308 existing sites across Delhi, besides a few new locations wherever required. The camps are to become fully operational from July 30, the first day of the Hindu month of Shravan, and will remain functional until August 11, coinciding with Shivratri.On meat shops, the memorandum directs the MCD to ensure the “closure of all unauthorised/unlicensed meat shops, including those violating the terms and conditions for grant of licence, along and around all Kanwar camp sites.”All MCD zonal Deputy Commissioners have been instructed to ensure that encroachments are cleared from Kanwar camp sites before the yatra begins. It has also been directed to carry out deep cleaning and vegetation clearance at all camp locations and maintain round-the-clock sanitation by deploying manpower and machinery in three shifts throughout the pilgrimage.“Sufficient fumigation work should be undertaken before and during the Kanwar Yatra at all Kanwar camp sites, along with all preventive measures against water- and vector-borne diseases,” the memorandum states.As part of health arrangements, the civic body has also been asked to station mobile dispensaries at larger Kanwar camps, following the practice adopted in previous years.Deputy Commissioners of all MCD zones have been directed to implement these measures in coordination with the respective District Magistrates, who have been designated as nodal officers for issuing no-objection certificates (NOCs) and overseeing arrangements for Kanwar camps across Delhi.Rahool Alwal, Deputy Commissioner of Police (North East), told mediapersons that around 1,600 police personnel will be deployed for security along the Kanwar routes and at various camps. Besides personnel stationed at police stations, officers will be deployed on major roads, at border points, and key junctions. Quick Response Vehicles (QRVs), ambulances, and PCR vans will also be stationed along the routes.“We have seven entry points, of which five are major entry points from Uttar Pradesh, along with exit points towards north and other districts. Pickets will be set up at all these points. We have held meetings with police officers from neighbouring States to monitor the movement of Kanwar yatris and ensure there are no problems,” he said.He added that the police have also planned to strengthen the quick response system during emergencies by dispatching the nearest fire stations and ambulances without being constrained by jurisdictional boundaries. The officer further said that seven companies of additional force have been sought. Published - July 30, 2026 01:08 am IST